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To Be a Young Black Man Working in an Office Full of White People

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Re: To Be a Young Black Man Working in an Office Full of White People

#21

Post by et2o »

levelist_com wrote: post #14
et2o wrote: post #2

He wrote a rap song as part of his job intended for "Youth Across America." He was asked once if he would perform the song at a company dinner and he declined. His decline was accepted without question and was not brought up again. I can certainly understand why the request could be interpreted as racist, but from my perspective that seems to be a bit of a strong interpretation to take.

I'm not sure why It could be interpreted as racist? It's not like the person assumed b/c the man is black that he could rap. The man admittedly already wrote the rap for a known project and was asked to or assumed he would be ok to perform it for another venue. The man declined stating he wasnt comfortable doing so and ended with no further incident. Rude possibly. Racist? Not even close!

I said "interpreted as racist."

Re: To Be a Young Black Man Working in an Office Full of White People

#22

Post by levelist_com »

et2o wrote: post #21
levelist_com wrote: post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm not sure why It could be interpreted as racist? It's not like the person assumed b/c the man is black that he could rap. The man admittedly already wrote the rap for a known project and was asked to or assumed he would be ok to perform it for another venue. The man declined stating he wasnt comfortable doing so and ended with no further incident. Rude possibly. Racist? Not even close!

I said "interpreted as racist."

Yes. And I said I don't know why it could be "interpreted as racist." and followed it up with my reasoning.

Re: To Be a Young Black Man Working in an Office Full of White People

#23

Post by diggernet »

slowandlow wrote: post #19
et2o wrote: post #2

He wrote a rap song as part of his job intended for "Youth Across America." He was asked once if he would perform the song at a company dinner and he declined. His decline was accepted without question and was not brought up again. I can certainly understand why the request could be interpreted as racist, but from my perspective that seems to be a bit of a strong interpretation to take.

It's not really racism but as a black person it comes off a little insensitive. For a long we've been usually asked to perform as opposed to contribute in a more meaningful way for example. I would find it strange if I was asked to perform for a board meeting hardly seems like the appropriate place for that. I would also take a bit of offense because it sends the message that all I'm good for is performing. Being the…

I understand your point about being asked to perform. (The railroad scene of Blazing Saddles comes to mind here.)

But he was asked to perform a rap HE wrote. Because he was the author, not because he was black. While obviously blacks should not be considered only good for entertainment, does that really mean society needs to avoid offering recognition of an individual's demonstrated creative abilities just because they happen to be black?

Also, as another commenter already documented, he was far from the only black in the office.

All that said, your final point is spot on! And not only for blacks...

Re: To Be a Young Black Man Working in an Office Full of White People

#24

Post by et2o »

levelist_com wrote: post #22
et2o wrote: post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I said "interpreted as racist."

Yes. And I said I don't know why it could be "interpreted as racist." and followed it up with my reasoning.

I agree, I do not think it was racist. If you cannot contrive of a way that this could be "interpreted as racist" it is hard to continue the conversation.

Re: To Be a Young Black Man Working in an Office Full of White People

#26

Post by mos_basik »

steveeq1 wrote: post #25
zepolen wrote: post #8

Garbage article, this isn't racism, this is a guy seeking attention.

Yeah, i agree. Why can't I downvote this article? HN only allows upvotes for articles?

>HN only allows upvotes for articles?

Correct.

Re: To Be a Young Black Man Working in an Office Full of White People

#27

Post by levelist_com »

et2o wrote: post #24
levelist_com wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes. And I said I don't know why it could be "interpreted as racist." and followed it up with my reasoning.

I agree, I do not think it was racist. If you cannot contrive of a way that this could be "interpreted as racist" it is hard to continue the conversation.

We aren't really having a conversation now. I explained why I don't think it could/should be interpreted as racist. You had an opportunity to share with me why it could be, allowing me to perhaps be enlightened and form a new opinion; however, you chose to throw insults and shut down the convo.

Re: To Be a Young Black Man Working in an Office Full of White People

#28

Post by et-al »

wpBenny wrote: post #18
et-al wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yes, I'm aware that this might just be a self-aggrandizing piece, or it might be a legitimate issue. However, none of us were there, so I'm hesitant to pass too much judgement on this nuanced matter.

Fair enough. I'm usually the skeptical of all things person. I'm not sure how positive that is.

I think it's a good attitude to have. :)

I was just super hesitant here because we didn't know the complete story and everyone else seemed to be piling on the author.

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